Colorado Explorer

Boarding and bierrocks

By Linda DuVal

Kids bored with summer already? Check out the Telluride Kids Camp, geared for youngsters 4-12. Hiking, biking, fishing and rock climbing will keep them entertained while parents pursue their own interests. It costs $70 a day and you can sign them up at the Adventure Desk at Telluride Sports on Main Street. 800-828-7547 ext. 211.

Who doesn't enjoy a free day of family fun? Well, that's Plaza Palooza, being offered in Winter Park this summer. On selected days, there'll be free live music, face painting and caricature drawings for visitors to the base area of the resort. Check scheduled dates on www.winterparkresort.com. 303-316-1564.

Get out your running shoes. The Copper Mountain U.S. Race Series Half Marathon made its debut in 2007 and happens again Aug. 23. In addition to the half marathon through the scenic Rocky Mountains, runners can test their skills with the 12K or family style 5K runs. Register online at www.copperhalf.com. 415-287-4253.

Dude! You have to check out the U.S. Open Mountainboarding Championships in Snowmass, July 25 and 26. Snowmass is the No. 1 destination for mountainboarders, with the only lift-served boardercross course in the nation. You can watch their gravity- defying feats for free. 800-SNOWMASS.

Take a trip back in time at Four Mile Historic Park, just four miles from downtown Denver. You'll see livestock and get tours of the farm house. On weekends, there are wagon rides around the park. You also might see a blacksmith at work, a quilting demonstration or other old-fashioned activities. It's a fun day trip for all ages and they have lots of special events, including a summer camp for kids. 720-865-0800.

After you watch the broncs and bulls kick up their heels, you can kick back and enjoy the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and other musical acts at the annual Logan County Fair & Rodeo, Aug. 1-10 in Sterling. There's always live music to cap off the competitions and other events. 866-522-5070.

Linda DuVal is former travel editor of The Gazette in Colorado Springs and a freelance writer.